Toward bioactive brain interface with functionalized graphene nano-electronics

Orateur : Antoine BOURRIER (Institut Néel - MCBT - Thermodynamique des Petits Systèmes)

High spatial resolution sampling of brain activity through the instrumentality of variable specific implants is a key technology in brain research projects like neuro-regenerative applications. However the current electrodes array based technologies present inconsistent performance in chronic signal recording [1], the lifetime of these implants being limited both by their bio-acceptance and by the sensitivity of their electronics. This lack of reliability might be overcome thanks to graphene outstanding properties which offer an ideal platform for sensing neurons. The biocompatible, soft, and chemically inert nature of this carbon atoms monolayer offers novel perspectives for direct integration as biosensors [2]. The presence of readily accessible surface charges gives the unprecedented opportunity to realize a strong electrical coupling with cells. Finally, the possibility to transfer graphene on transparent and flexible substrates opens the way to a new generation of chronic in-vivo implants [3]. Our aim is to fabricate and test a family of implants supporting graphene neural sensors and showing good biocompatibility, sensitivity and time stability. Aiming at giving a friction protection of graphene sensor during the surgical implantation, we functionalized our devices with natural biocompatible polymer - Hyaluronic Acid (HA). Functionalization with HA decreases the graphene hydrophobicity and improves the stability of sensors, leading to a better interaction with neurons. This opens tremendous possibilities for a new generation of bioactive graphene biosensors for neural interface.

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